“Rethinking Sustainability”, Jun 2015

Operating sustainably is essential to the future of any company, and not just for economic viability and risk management…Smart leaders will use CSR and sustainability as a way to align their company with society and achieve competitive advantage. This may include tackling persistent problems affecting businesses and their executives, workers, families and stakeholders – including climate change, pollution and community conflict…However, sustainability cannot simply be an exercise in public relations...If it is, it can actually create more risk for a business because there could be a disconnect between expectations and reality…[In order for] leaders to implement and develop sustainability…[they] need the correct policies approved at the highest levels with the right procedures…You’ve got to close the knowledge gap through training and by building a culture of sustainable compliance…“Businesses that will thrive in the future are those with a core purpose beyond simply making a financial return.”[said Richard Gillies, Group Sustainability & Communications Director, Kingfisher]…Initiatives like the UN Guiding Principles give concrete paths toward sustainable operations. Now there is more knowledge than ever for business leaders…